Review: Ritual Zero Proof Canned Cocktails, Complete Lineup

Ritual, well known for its non-alcoholic spirit alternatives, recently launched a ready-to-drink non-alc collection, canned cocktails available in three classic flavors. We tried them all.

Ritual Zero Proof G&T – A self-explanatory non-alc gin and tonic, this is an easygoing experience that is heavy with lime, almost overblown at times. Piney juniper is vaguely hinted at, but at least present in some level. Turns out however that the bitterness of the tonic is very mild, and frankly it could use a lot more of it in order to balance out the sour-sweet lime notes. It’s not a bad rendition of a gin and tonic, but the last thing I would have expected to wish for when tasting this spirit has nothing to do with the hard part of the equation (the non-alcoholic gin) and everything to do with the tonic. That said, it’s awfully easy-drinking and can fool you at least partway into thinking it’s the real thing. A-

Ritual Zero Proof Spritz – Bright orange in color and bright orange in flavor, this initially comes across closer to an orange soda than a proper spritz, though mercifully some bitterness manages to temper the fruit later in the game. As with the G&T, there’s still not enough of of that bittering element, and the experience could definitely withstand a bolder, more aggressive quinine quality to make it feel more grown-up. The fizz is moderated but appropriate, and the finish offers a little lime as an orangey complement, though the conclusion sweetens up further and evokes notes of tangerine. A-

Ritual Zero Proof Margarita – A lemon-lime attack gives this concoction a soda-like quality to start, but let it sit on the tongue for a bit and a curious herbal-earthy quality comes into focus. From here the expression finds some salinity and a hint of peppery heat, the finish especially evoking a healthy pinch of salt. It’s never too sweet, letting citrus do most of the talking throughout the sip. While you won’t mistake this for an authentic margarita, it is a pleasant N/A alternative that at least scratches that sweet-and-sour itch enough to work alongside a serving of chips and salsa. B+

each $14 per four-pack of 12 oz cans

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